Video: Connection and Engagement in Vancouver

Highlights from the Vancouver Foundations 2017 Connect & Engage Reportmeasuring the strength of connections and engagement among Metro Vancouver residents.

The Connect & Engage report measures the strength of connections and engagement among Metro Vancouver residents, building on the results of their 2012 study on the same topic. It finds resident’s perceptions of social isolation are largely unchanged, but digs deeper on their sense of belonging, level of community participation, and the difference between loneliness and social isolation.

According to the report, falling participation in community activities and greater vulnerability to social isolation among some groups means that now – more than ever – it`s time to invite everyone to take part in community life.

“Our new findings show that while everyone experiences the same barriers to forging strong connections – work, school, financial constraints, and time pressure all play a role – some experience this more acutely. But what’s encouraging to see is how open residents are to coming together as a community – even more so among those who have lived here for a shorter period of time.”

– Kevin McCort, President and CEO, Vancouver Foundation

The connected issues of neighbourhood connections and community engagement are key pillars of the VCPC’s current work plan, especially our 2018 priority on ensuring that Vancouver is a “City for All” – a caring city that leaves no resident behind. Over the coming months, we will be reviewing this report in more depth and look for opportunities to incorporate the findings of this report in our work.